Guyana Times - Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Indian High Commission celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary

The High Commission of India and Swami

Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) on Monday celebrated the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Promenade Gardens, reflecting on his sterling contributions and teachings.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Public Service Minister Sonia Parag and Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore along with members of the diplo-

matic corps and members of the Indian diaspora offered floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue.

Both Government Ministers delivered their insightful remarks, which emphasised that the observance can be used to commence an individual journey to follow Gandhi’s ideals for a better world.

Minister Parag outlined, “His actions bore so much fruit that the generations today and the generations be-

yond him and as we sit in contemporary times today, can benefit from all that he did.”

Minister Anthony added, “Some of the struggles that he started then, we were able to see an eventual change in South Africa.”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist. He is best known for his efforts to defend persons of Indian origin in South

Africa and, following his return to India in 1915, opposing British rule in India.

Gandhi is unofficially recognised by many Indians, past and present, as the “Father of the Nation”, and was accorded by his disciples and supporters the title of “Mahatma”, which means “great-souled”.

The message of non-violent struggle, or “Satyagraha”, was utilised by Mahatma Gandhi in his fight in India against the

British between 1915 and 1948. “Satya” means “truth” and “graha” means “force”, and it proposes an active “truth force” that is deployed against the forces of oppression.

Through his activism, Gandhi brought the changes of Indian Indentureship in Guyana and other colonies to the attention of the Indian National Congress (INC), which petitioned the Indian Government and British Government.

Indentureship was consequently halted, first in South Africa in 1910, and in the rest of the world in 1917. As such, Gandhi and his work had a direct bearing on Guyana, since he played a critical role in ending this exploitative form of labour.

Gandhi was nominated five times (1937, 1938, 1939, 1947, and 1948) for the Nobel Peace Prize, but was assassinated by Indian nationalist Nathuram Godse before he could win it.

Ministers Frank Anthony and Sonia Parag joined by city officials, members of the SVCC and the diplomatic community during the observance

British High Commissioner Jane Miller offers floral tributes at the Gandhi statue at the Promenade Gardens

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Oct 3 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, Oct 4 – 04:00h –05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Oct 3 – 06:55h –08:25h and Wednesday, Oct 4 – 07:35h – 09:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:48h and 18:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 12:32h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.

Pres Ali begins talks with teachers: to consider

tax-free

allowances

– Govt to pay out $700M in salary adjustments – to facilitate housing loans at special rates

By Jarryl Bryan

President Dr Irfaan Ali commenced consultations with teachers by meeting with Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers at State House on Monday, where he listened to their suggestions about how the Government can improve their welfare.

The consultation comes ahead of International Teachers’ Day on October 5. Among the suggestions that came up for consideration were housing solutions specifically for teachers and tax-free allowances.

During the consultation, concerns were also raised by the teaching professionals, particularly Head Teachers and their Deputies, who travelled from across the country. Teachers’ salaries were a significant concern. Donna Lewis-Isles, the Head Mistress of President Ali’s alma mater, Saint Stanislaus College, urged the Government to consider tax-free allowances.

“The teachers, we only get one salary. We get a big gross. But after deductions, we are looking thin. While the policemen and the military officers, look nice. Because they have all these little things like housing allowance, overtime, meal allowance, laundry allowance. A whole lot going for them. And I think we need to review that for teachers,” President Ali said.

“I know we are not travelling officers; we were always told that. So, we cannot have

LOTTERY NUMBERS

quire an investment of $700 million and I am committing to you that this will be, this $700-plus million, will be incorporated in the salaries of those teachers in October.”

Several teachers from hinterland villages also spoke about challenges facing them and their students, including transportation and online access. Meanwhile, another teacher from Kato Secondary School raised concerns about the school being understaffed.

With a required complement of 45 teachers, she revealed that there are only 15 teachers at the school. Asked by the President whether there are persons in the community who are eligible to be trained as teachers, she responded in the affirmative. At this point, the President reminded that he gave an instruction that once there are qualified persons for the teaching profession, they should be trained.

“I’m very disappointed in the Ministry of Education at this point. Because I gave an

to and from work.

“Let me explain something to you because I think we need to explain this. Sometimes we get carried away, that the teachers on

“So, it’s not that there’s a special thing that takes them to school and gives them a distinct advantage. So, everything has pros and cons. There’s weight to everything. So, I understand your circumstances. In the hinterland, we’ve been investing as much as possible in giving transportation, giving the hinterland special allowance for teachers working in those areas… but your circumstance we understand and we’re working towards it,” President Ali said.

In response to other queries, President Ali also proposed that the Government come up with housing solutions for teachers. He said

travelling (allowance). But we can have something else added to our salary. For example, we usually get a clothing allowance once a year, which is $8000. Can only buy a pair of shoes at this time. So maybe we can look at that. That would be a good start for us.”

President Ali announced that more than $700 million will be paid out to those teachers who are below the minimum of their applicable scale.

“I had committed to ensure that the issue of anomaly that existed in the minimum wage applicable for different teachers in the system be corrected, retroactively from September 1, 2020 when the responsibility was given to me as President,” President Ali said.

“This correction would re-

instruction that once you have qualified persons from the communities, in the hinterland, who want to enter the teaching profession, you bring them on with immediate effect. And we give them the opportunity to be trained. So, I want you to give us the list of all those persons who applied,” President Ali said.

It was subsequently revealed, however, that there are no pending applications from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) for teachers. The teacher from Kato also raised the transportation woes plaguing teachers in the region. However, President Ali, while committing to addressing the concerns, noted that teachers on the coast also face their own challenges getting

the coast don’t have challenges. So, the teachers on the coast, really, sometimes travel two hours to get to work or an hour. But in their instance, they use money from their salary to pay for public transportation to go there. Or they buy a motorbike or they buy a car or they own something.”

the Government can make interventions to help teachers who already have an allocation but are struggling to secure loans/financing to pursue the development of their properties. Additionally, he said the Government can explore solutions for teachers who have applications in the system prior to 2019.

From left: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and President Dr Irfaan Ali

Dr Marcel Hutson (foreground) of the Education Ministry, surrounded by the teachers who attended the session

Donna Lewis-Isles, the Head Mistress of President Ali’s alma mater, St Stanislaus College

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Helping our teachers

The candid discussion between President Dr Irfaan Ali and teachers on Monday at State House is refreshing. The issue of teachers’ salaries and benefits has been a prolonged issue tangled in a web of politics. Often times in Guyana’s history, this issue has been at a stalemate as a result of the hardcore, uncompromising and confrontational approaches by representatives rather than the best interest of teachers. Globally, research has shown that education increasingly points to the role of a strong teaching workforce as a key element of a high-performing system.

One of the reoccurring topics from Monday’s discussion with President Ali was how to effectively retain our teachers while developing their lifestyles and livelihood.

It is, therefore, welcoming that the Head of State has given thought to this even before hearing from the teachers themselves. His announcement of arranging for special loans for teachers with house lots and those seeking to own their own homes is tremendous. The moment someone owns a home, the family acquires pride in home ownership, and typically sees itself as having a stake in the community. Thus, this decision by the Government to mediate in these arrangements with the banks brings not only selfsatisfaction for teachers, but pride for themselves and families.

This pride must not only be extended to home ownership as education is a fluid, evolving, continually-changing landscape, and teachers have to keep in step with that process. Thus, there is critical need for ongoing professional development (PD) for teachers.

While this training must focus on the latest pedagogy, it must not ignore other factors that impact the teaching-learning dynamic. For example, the two biggest strengths of ‘awesome’ teachers are their capacity to develop emotive connections, and build trust with their students. Thus, teacher training must include emotive connection and trust-building, as well as empathetic communication, which is critical to both.

As well, PD would ensure that teachers are staying abreast with whatever schools and the system introduce at any and all times – instructional methodologies such as the workshop model, for example; differentiated instructions to ensure the needs of all students are met during instructions; types of assessments beyond standardised tests; classroom management without corporal punishment, et cetera.

In fact, it is highly recommended that all teachers do basic education courses in order to become adept with learning/ teaching styles, (John Dunn), multiple intelligences (Gardner), differential cooperative group learning, curriculum- based assessment skills to continuously measure learning, especially of the slow learners, to share with parents. Teachers must not only be fluent with the cognitive taxonomy of objectives of Bloom, but also with the affective domain to effectively define instructional objectives (scientifically) according to cognitive and emotional levels of students. And there should be teacher training in violence prevention, conflict resolution, psychosocial skills (at the levels of teachers and students), social problem-solving, social and emotional learning, role-playing, supervised interactions, studentcentred instruction, basic learning disabilities such as dyslexia, modelling and reinforcement exercises.

Mentoring is another critical need. Experienced teachers can allow into their classrooms as observers other teachers, especially inexperienced ones, with each such session being followed by the exemplary teacher helping the observing teachers to unpack, clarify, and seek additional details. The other side of the coin is exemplary and/or master teachers observing the classes of the other teachers, and then meeting with them to unpack, guide and mentor.

At the personal level, teachers should play a part in curriculum design, especially with respect to goal settings and standards to be met, and be paid for after-school teaching – evenings, weekends, holidays.

Consideration must also be given to teachers being provided with skills to address the various issues they come up against in the course of each working day. Thus, for example, why not provide anti-bullying training directly to teachers, perhaps using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme – the most researched and best-known such programme? Of course, a psychologist in each school…

Following the discussions coming out of State House on Monday, President Ali said: “Now that I have a full understanding directly from you…I am in a better position to come up with a holistic approach as to how we will deal with the welfare of students and teachers together.”

This brings a sigh of relief that our teachers are going to have not only an improved standard of life, but also an improved standard of working environment.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a phrase often repeated to children in the hope that they will learn that they cannot be hurt by name-calling or verbal abuse. In fact, words are humans’ most powerful tools, and harsh language used against children can damage them for the rest of their life.

It is natural to respond to a “naughty” child by shouting – and children are forgiving of, and are surprisingly empathic in relation to, parental stress. But let us not deceive ourselves that verbal intimidation such as shouting, yelling or screaming at children leaves no scars. Or that being humiliated and ridiculed leaves children unaffected.

A pioneering systematic review on the impact of childhood verbal abuse by adults published this week suggests that over 40 per cent of children are exposed to verbal aggression, verbal hostility or harsh verbal discipline from adults around them. For half, the experience is at least weekly – and for an unfortunate 10 per cent, it is a daily experience.

Using words to intimidate, shame and control may appear less obviously harmful than bodily threat, but the same risks accompany this misuse of language: low self-esteem, increased nicotine, alcohol and substance use, increased risk of anxiety, depression, even psychotic disorders. We know from hundreds of studies and this new systematic review that exposure to verbal abuse profoundly affects children, and is associated with persistent psychological distress; complex emotional and relational difficulties; physical as well as mental disorders; increased likelihood of recreating abusive situations in their lives (eg finding a partner who is abusive to them); and finding themselves repeating the abuse with others.

Additionally, exposure to abusive language between others, for example interparental verbal violence, can carry the same risks for children’s mental and physical health as abusing them directly.

Decades of research have shown that authoritarian management of a child does harm and that reducing abuse – verbal and physical – is the single most effective way we can counteract the rise of mental disorder in children and young people. But as a society we are far less attuned to the long-term risks associated with verbal abuse.

From birth, children are programmed to know that their most important responsibility is to rely on the adults around them and learn from them for survival. They are genetically prepared to trust what adults say, since they need to rapidly absorb information that may be necessary. If we betray that trust by using words to abuse rather than teach, this can leave children isolated, excluded and unable to draw the full benefit of social learning.

It is in fact not until almost the second decade of life that children learn to understand irony, that adults may not literally mean what they say. They do not get the joke behind a phrase such as “you stupid boy” or “you wicked, wicked girl”. Considerable brain development is needed for a child to fully understand an adult’s intention that these and similar verbal putdowns are intended not to shame and humiliate, but are intended as educational devices to correct and shape their behaviour.

Instead they dutifully incorporate such knowledge into their growing, increasingly complex understanding of the world. In this instance, it becomes part of their view of themselves as inadequate and bad. When I was eight, the janitor in the building that our apartment was in told me that she would cut off my legs if I did not wipe my feet before running up the stairs.

I am sure she meant no harm, but

it was a cruel thing to say, and six decades later, I still remember the fear. Research studies show that we tend, in hindsight, to rate our parents’ verbal aggressiveness higher than our parents rate it themselves.

Verbal abuse of children goes beyond the family and is commonly encountered in educational, sports and leisure contexts. In some contexts, dancing for example, the culture of bullying around extreme body consciousness and body shaming is pervasive and can leave dangerous, lasting sensitivities.

If we really want to “teach” our children to behave, we need to be kind, show appreciation, find the good amid the naughtiness, be as alert to effort as we are to signs of idleness, and be far more ready to praise than find fault. Decades of evidence from studies of socialisation are unequivocal: punishment is ineffective. Our prisons re-traumatise many already crippled by trauma. Not surprising that recidivism dominates over correction.

Supporting parents to deliver positive, consistent, rule-based parenting, even with wayward children, works to prevent antisocial behaviour. In ordinary parenting, it is finding ways to praise our children when they do something we like, rather than holding them to account for what they do wrong, that helps shape their behaviour and personality. Attention, warmth and kindness pay dividends. Excessively harsh words undermine attachment and trust, devaluing subsequent efforts at correction. The janitor could have encouraged and praised me for wiping my feet and it might have kept the stairs clean. In the event I just checked she was out of sight before galloping up the stairs with the muddiest of shoes.

The minds of children need to be built, not repaired. (The Guardian) Professor Peter Fonagy is head of the division of psychology and language sciences at University College London and CEO of the charity Anna Freud

Think before shouting at your child: to them, words can be as harmful as physical blows

…A new study shows how verbal abuse affects children – and sows the seeds for long-term issues such as self-harm and anxiety

Fireworks celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China illuminate the sky over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2023 (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Guyana undergoes 6th round of anticorruption review under MESICIC

The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry has announced that in keeping with Guyana’s treaty obligations under the Organisation of American States’ InterAmerican Convention Against Corruption (IACAC), Guyana will be undergoing its sixth round of onsite review through the Follow-Up Mechanism for Implementation of the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption (MESICIC).

MESICIC is the anticorruption mechanism of the OAS, and it brings together 33 of the 34 Member States to review their legal frameworks and institutions in light of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC).

The MESICIC experts from within the member states, with assistance from the Technical Secretariat, review domestic laws and institutions to determine if they accord with the provisions of the Convention and if they are effective at preventing

and combating corruption.

As part of this review process, the experts visit the country being reviewed, where they meet with Government officials and civil society organisations to gather more information to compile their report of that round of review. This report typically contains recommendations for the State to strengthen its anti-corruption architecture to prevent and combat corruption.

Guyana ratified the IACAC in 2000 and as such has an expert on the MESICIC which meets twice yearly. Experts from the Republic of Suriname and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have been selected by MESICIC to conduct the review of Guyana and will be

conducting the requisite consultations and meetings that form the “on-site review” until October 5 in Georgetown.

The experts conducting this sixth round of review will be supported by staff of the OAS Technical Secretariat. This important national exercise requires the involvement of civil society actors, private sector organisations, and public sector and State agencies.

State agencies expected to participate in this national review are the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry, Public Service Ministry, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Financial Intelligence Unit, Audit Office of Guyana, Finance Ministry, Public Procurement Commission, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Special Organised Crime Unit, Attorney General’s Chambers, Integrity Commission, Bank of Guyana, Foreign Affairs and International

Cooperation Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry and Director of Public Prosecutions.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations invited to make presentations are the Private Sector Commission; Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Guyana Bar Association; Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL); Guyana Public Service Union; Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG); Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana; Transparency Institute of Guyana (TIGI); Guyana Bankers’ Association; Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association; Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association; Guyana-America Chamber of Commerce ; Guyana-UK Chamber of Commerce; and Guyana-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry compiled and sub-

mitted Guyana’s most recent report under the InterAmerican Convention Against Corruption in May 2023.

Furthermore, the Ministry chairs the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC), comprised of 17 agencies involved with the anti-corruption framework of Guyana.

This body continues to play a pivotal role in training these agencies and preparing the compilation of these State party reports under Guyana’s treaty obligations at the regional and international levels, including those at the level of the MESICIC. The Ministry is the Government of Guyana’s lead agency on anti-corruption treaty reporting, and in that regard, is the coordinating agency of this MESICIC Sixth Round OnSite review.

Agri-processing units – the way to go

Dear Editor, I took note that an agro-processing facility was recently commissioned at Charity, and instantly I was happily jolted. For too long agricultural farming products have been needlessly wasted in Guyana. And I am talking ‘way too much wastage.’

First, let me remind Guyanese that contemporary food science now allows us to understand how and why foods lose quality during normal storage; for sure, they spoil just too quickly. However, with modern agro-processing facilities, we can select conditions that greatly extend storage times while maintaining freshness.

For example, across North America, apples are typically harvested over a two- or three-month period yet are available all yearround. This is because once apples are harvested, they can be rapidly transferred into controlled atmosphere storage that slows their respiration, and hence ripening, to allow them to be kept for up to 12 months until ready for use.

Another positive to be mindful of is that food processing allows us to eat a greater variety of foods than our ancestors. Because we can safely preserve and package foods, we are able to transport foods from across the globe

to our homes. We are not restricted to what is produced locally nor to seasonality, greatly extending food availability and accessibility for the great majority that live in urban environments. Increased choice allows us to have a more varied diet, which is more likely to provide all the nutrients required for good health. As you can gather, I was pleased to see the shot of packaged carambola.

Editor, commendations are therefore in order for this Charity facility that was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). It means “Over 300 persons, including farmers, agro-processors, women, youth, and other stakeholders, will benefit immensely.” The cost ran up a bill of $28.3 million, but the investment is most needed and will pay great dividends in the near future.

Lest we think Guyana is parochialised, I point out that the World Resources Institute (WRI) reports that a 25 percent reduction in food waste would push food production 12 percent closer to the levels necessary to feed the world in 2050 and would shrink the amount of increased agricultural land needed by 27 percent, inching closer to

fully closing the land gap. This is a positive double whammy! Remember I did mention the wanton waste that must be stopped. Since we will need to

produce as much as 56% more food than we did in 2010 to feed the world's growing population by 2050, we indeed cannot rely on ancient and tradition-

al farming and production practices. Those by themselves are deleterious and could be catastrophic for the planet. So how will we meet the demand? I just

gave the answer; here it is again: many more agri-processing units.

Yours truly,

HB Singh

Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

Foundation

Test Questions

Monday’s answers

1a)

350m2

Area = L X B

Area of house = 26m x 10m = 260m2

Area of garage = 90m x 10m = 90m2

Total area = Area of house + Area of garage = 350m2

1b) Perimeter = 50m + 5m + 26m + 40m + 31m = 152m

BY VIRGIL Spearhaft reversed,

He gave the hollow mountainside a stroke, And, where a portal opened, winds in companies, As though trained for it, hurtled through To blow across the earth in hurricane. Over the sea, tossed up from the sea-floor, Eastwind and Southwind, then the wild Southwest With squall on squall came scudding down, Rolling high combers shoreward.

Now one heard

In this fun and easy crystal science experiment, we’re going to grow a crystal garden.

NB: Adult supervision is required.

Materials:

Epsom salts

Hot water

Clear glass jar

Measuring cups

Small pom-poms

Instructions:

Add one cup of Epsom salts to the

jar.

Next, have an adult add one cup of hot tap water to the jar and mix thoroughly. It is fine if there is some undissolved salt in the bottom of the jar.

Drop ns some pom-poms and mix them into the mixture.

Put the jar in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning, pour off the excess liquid and observe your crystals.

You can carefully handle your crystals, but be aware they are deli-

cate and may crumble.

How it works:

The Epsom salts dissolve in the heated water. As the water cools, it becomes less able to hold the Epsom salts. The Epsom salts then clings to the pom-poms and forms crystals.

Make this a science project: Experiment with different types of solutions and observe and record any differences in the rate of crystals creation. Try table salt or sugar (do not eat). (sciencefun.org)

The cries of men and screech of ropes in rigging Suddenly, when the stormcloud whipped away Clear sky and daylight from the Teucrians' eyes, And gloom of night leaned on the open sea. It thundered from all quarters, as it lightened Flash on flash through heaven. Every sign Portended a quick death to mariners. Aeneas on the instant felt his knees Go numb and slack, and stretched both hands to heaven, Groaning out:

"Triply lucky were all those To whom death came before their fathers' eyes Below the wall at Troy! Bravest Danaan, Diomedes, why could I not go down When you had hit me, and give up my life On Ilium's battlefield?

Our Hector lies there, Torn by Achilles' weapon; Sarpedon, Our giant fighter, lies there; and the river

WORD SEARCH

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

Brazil recommits to supporting ICJ process for peaceful resolution

– as Minister Todd updates Brazilian counterpart on recent developments

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd on Monday provided an update on the recent developments on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira.

Minister Todd reiterated Guyana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the controversy in accordance with international law and underscored that the current International Court of Justice (ICJ) process represents a mutually agreed mechanism for a peaceful, just, binding, and permanent settlement of the controversy over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the course of the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

Mauro Vieira, in expressing his country’s support for the current ICJ process to resolve the controversy over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, indicated that Brazil adheres to the peaceful settlement of boundaries.

He also underscored that Brazil has great respect for the ICJ and awaits the final verdict of the Court which it believes is the best solution, in accordance with international law, especially since the matter was referred by the United Nations Secretary

General.

Minister Todd also emphasised the position as articulated by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, that Guyana is irrevocably committed to the settlement process at the ICJ and is available to meet with Venezuela on any subject of interest to the two countries – other than the controversy over the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Todd further debunked the false narrative being propagated by Venezuela and reaffirmed that there is no intention by Guyana or any other State to establish a military base in Guyana’s territory.

Minister Vieira emphasised the importance of the peaceful co-existence of countries in the Region if the Region is to advance its

integration agenda.

The two Foreign Ministers also discussed ideas to advance the bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil and collaboration at the multilateral level.

Only recently, Guyana reached out and communicated its displeasure to Venezuela, over a referendum planned by the Spanish-speaking country to have its citizens vote on the border controversy with Guyana.

According to a report from BNN Newsroom, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved a nationwide consultative referendum which will see the Venezuelan people being allowed to express their views on the GuyanaVenezuela border contro-

versy, through direct and secret votes.

The report also cited the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez. In the statement, Rodriguez is reported to have criticised the delegation that participated in talks with Venezuela in Mexico back in 2021 and to have accused them

of backtracking from supporting Venezuela on its border controversy with Guyana.

But in a subsequent statement, the Government of Guyana expressed “deep concern” at the decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to conduct a referendum on “defending Venezuela’s spurious claim to Guyana’s territory

of Essequibo”. According to the statement, this upcoming referendum has the potential to foment further tension between the two States.

“Guyana considers that the only appropriate forum for Venezuela to raise its territorial claim, consistent with the rule of international law and the preservation of peace and security, is the International Court of Justice in The Hague which has already determined, twice, that it has jurisdiction to resolve the competing claims of Venezuela and Guyana to the territory in question.”

“Resolution by the Court assures both Parties of a final, binding, and permanent settlement that is equitable, just and consistent with international law… Guyana’s concerns have been communicated to the Government of Venezuela,” the statement further explained.

Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mauro Vieira Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd

Accused in rape of girl, 8, found not guilty

Ajury on Monday afternoon acquitted Ezera Percival of raping and engaging in sexual activity with an eight-year-old girl.

By a unanimous verdict, the mixed 12-member jury found Percival, a 43-yearold construction worker, not guilty of the charge that stated that he engaged in sexual penetration with the minor between January 1 and 27, 2022, in Demerara.

The panel also decided that he was not guilty of engaging in sexual activity

Freed: Ezera Percival

with the young girl between the aforementioned dates by a vote of 10-2. The jurors deliberated for a little over two hours.

The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the Supreme Court in Demerara and presided over by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. The accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson.

The State was represented by several State Counsel, including Rbina Christmas.

Vendor remanded over $6M robbery at Kitty security company

Acharge for the offence of armed robbery was read to 43-year-old Kelvin Nickle by Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts on Monday.

Nickle, aka “Joey”, is a vendor of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme in Georgetown.

The charge against this accused stated that on September 15, at A Plus Security Service located at Lot 163 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, while in the company of others and armed with a knife, he robbed George Franklin of $6.3 million in cash, firearms, and a quantity of ammunition. The items belong to Orlando Rogers, the company’s owner.

Nickle pleaded not guilty to the allegation. Due to the

seriousness of the offence and the fact that Nickle had previously been accused of break and enter and larceny, the Police prosecutor objected to his release on bail. In the end, Nickle was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to October 30.

According to the prosecutor, on September 14,

Rogers locked up his business place, leaving the contents intact, and left his handyman, George Franklin, to keep an eye on the establishment.

Franklin, who lives on the property, woke up to urinate at around 3:45h the following morning and proceeded to the backyard, where two men held him at knifepoint. They then choked him and tied him up, after which they made good their escape with the items mentioned in the charge. Franklin was able to untie himself, and contacted his boss and told him that thieves had broken into the place. After reviewing CCTV footage, Police ranks contacted Grimmon Rodrigues, who was the driver of a white Toyota 212 motor car, PLL 3555.

He was told of the alle-

A fateful month… …for

progress

Well, here we are in October and we sense that the year’s fast drawing to a close – and folks gonna start becoming frantic about Christmas shopping and all that! Your Eyewitness had always wondered whether it was because of this distraction that the disorder called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) is commemorated this entire month!! You don’t know what is ADHD??

gation, cautioned, and arrested. In a caution statement, he admitted to being the driver of the vehicle which took the men to the scene and said that two men by the aliases “Joey” and “Cuffy” “gave me the wuk”.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Clinton Gobin, also known as “Big Nose”. He admitted that he was the driver of another vehicle that transported the safe with cash to Meadow Bank, Georgetown, and he claimed that “Joey” and “Cuffy” “gave me the wuk”.

On September 18, Corinth Taylor called “Cuffy” and Cordell Eastman were arrested. Acting on information, Police ranks went to Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, where they found two 12-gauge shotguns and two black .223 rifles on the side of the road in a salt bag.

On September 29, Police ranks went to Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, where they contacted Nickle, and under caution, he confessed to being part of the robbery. Rodrigues, Gobin, Taylor, and Eastman were previously arraigned for this armed robbery. They are on remand until October 18. The stolen items were not recovered.

In March of this year, Nickle and two other men were charged with break and enter and larceny.

They are accused of breaking into the ZAMCORP Accounting building on New Market Street in Georgetown between March 15 and 16 and stealing two computers worth $375,000, two cell phones worth $200,000, two DVRs worth $120,000, US$6000, or GY$1,260,000, and $20,000 in cash, all belonging to Irshad Zamal. They were all remanded after denying the joint charge.

They were reportedly caught on video footage committing the crime. This publication was unable to verify the legal status of this matter.

Well, if you’re unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings; you’re constantly fidgeting; unable to concentrate on tasks; move around unnecessarily; excessive physical movement; talk too much; unable to wait your turn; acting without thinking and always interrupting conversations – then you’ve got ADHD, Budday!! But since that description fits most Guyanese, it could just be that all Guyanese have ADHD!! And this could explain why we can never get anything completed – we just can’t focus our attention for any extended period!!

We all know to our cost that blackouts have returned with a vengeance!! So, it gotta be that someone in charge of electricity just wasn’t focusing on the increased usage of power our oil-fuelled development would create – and the need for increased generation. ADHD!! You mean to say we can build an island in the Demerara River and we can’t increase our electricity generation and distribution?? But then from visits to Government departments and bureaucracies, it’s clear that a higher level of ADHD is a prime criterion for their employment!! Have you EVER reached a “Civil Servant” – a contradiction in terms if there ever was one!! – who took care of your issue without taking a break??

Yet our leaders picked October as “Agriculture Month”!! Yep…agriculture – which demands the patience of Job and then some!! Take even growing grass like rice much less a tree like mangoes. You gotta prepare the land by ploughing and “raking” so the fields are level like a billiards table; flood it with water of a particular depth; broadcast the paddy seeds that have been soaked to germination point; control the water levels as they grow; get rid of pests and diseases; broadcast fertilisers; after three months reap with combines and take the paddy to mills. Then wait for a year to be paid an amount that doesn’t even cover your costs!!

But let’s face it…agriculture’s the reason we’re all here – except for our Indigenous brothers and sisters – and agriculture is our future. As your Eyewitness has been emphasising, the oil’s gonna last for maybe 30 years max –and then what? Suck salt like Trinidad? No Siree Bob!! The Government’s doing the right thing by identifying all sorts of new opportunities to make a living for a century – by feeding the region and beyond!!

“25 by 25” is only the beginning!!

…for peaceful governance

It was on October 5 that democracy was returned back in 1992. The PNC under Burnham – and then Hoyte – of course had flagrantly and blatantly rigged elections – and a referendum – in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980, and 1985 in which they gave themselves increasing majorities. Democracy became a sham and the country was destroyed because Burnham didn’t even pretend to be a benign dictator.

Violence was unleashed on anyone or any group that dared to challenge the system – even to the point of murder. This was something completely outside the democratic order we’d been promised during the centuries of colonial rule. Ironically, after democracy was returned, the PNC returned to violent confrontation to make their political demands when Hoyte launched his “mo fyaah; slow fyaah” strategy – after refusing to accept their loss in the 1997 elections.

It's very disturbing that on their trip to Washington, the canard of “1400 young black men killed” was repeated. Without even mentioning why 400 of all races were killed.

…for Haiti

Yesterday, the UN Security Council was scheduled to vote on a US-proposed resolution for an international force – headed by Kenya with support from Caricom – to help the local Police restore order in Haiti.

Accusations of “pawns” are being hurled.

Kelvin Nickle

New roads to mitigate traffic chaos as GroveTimehri Road Project set to begin soon

EPA waives requirement for project to have Impact Assessment

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre fourlane high-span cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. It will feature a bicycle lane and is expected to bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high-span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

“Impacts on water quality will be medium and short-term. Potential contamination of the surface water will be minimised by the implementation of erosion and sediment control measures such as rock check dams, sediment basins, sediment fences, and silt socks and by enforcing a strict no-dumping policy, especially in drainage canals and areas nearest the waterways.”

construction materials will be medium, localised, and short-term and are not expected to exceed WHO standards. Mitigation measures for dust control in the shortterm will be implemented such as wetting of the road,” EPA further stated.

As the Government gears up to begin works on the Grove to Timehri infrastructure development project, which is currently being reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), commuters are being assured that enough systems will be put in place to accommodate a smooth flow of traffic during the construction period.

According to the project summary for the Grove to Timehri road works, rehabilitation will be done on both sides of 23.5 kilometres of the road. One concern raised by a resident, however, was the level of traffic buildup on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) that will be caused as a result of the project.

With hundreds of thou-

sands of vehicles using the road, the Public Works Ministry’s Work Services Group noted that two detour roads have been identified for use during the construction period.

These are the detour road from Diamond to Good Success and another road at Good Hope, in front of the GTT Exchange. The Work Services Group explained that two new roads will also be cut east of Grove to Timehri, one from the Linden Highway and a second from Mandela.

It was explained that while the Grove to Timehri road will not be closed, construction will be done in segments. As such, diversions will be facilitated, with contractors working at night to be considered.

The project is be-

ing funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), to the tune of US$100 million. The project duration is expected to be 36 months but while a commencement date is yet to be announced, Guyana Times understands that substantive works will start soon.

In fact, the Government has already been utilising local funds to desilt all the drains and widen roads along the Diamond/Grove corridor.

Works on widening and upgrading the Grove to Diamond road are expected to further complement plans to construct the new US$261 million high-span bridge across the Demerara River, which will land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

Meanwhile, the EPA has since exempted the project from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). According to the agency, it was determined that the project will not significantly affect the environment and thus should be exempt.

“Impacts from particulate matter and gaseous emissions primarily from the usage of heavy-duty machines/vehicles, operation of generators, traffic, and

The environmental agency also alluded to a traffic management plan that will be developed and implemented, with various diversion routes to minimise traffic congestion. Additionally, they noted that the project is expected to use noise-dampening equipment during the construction period.

Overhead image of the detours that will be used

Cocaine

bust

in Atlantic No record of vessel leaving Guyana – source

As investigations continue into the interception of a vessel with 1000 kilograms of cocaine in the Atlantic Ocean by Spanish authorities, sources confirmed that there were no records of the boat leaving Guyana’s shore.

Upon interception, four Guyanese and two Albanians were onboard

formation, he noted that CANU is working along with their counterparts in that country.

It was reported that Agents of Spain’s National Police and Customs Surveillance of the Tax Agency have seized some 1000 kilograms of cocaine off the vessel, in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Verde.

the vessel, “Mathieu” which is Guyanese-registered. The vessel was destined for Spain.

A source stated that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is currently engaged, but up to late Monday evening, there were no records to show that the vessel actually docked in Georgetown. Further, Guyana Times understands that the boat was once owned by a prominent businessman but was sold.

However, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) is playing a role in a major international investigation. When contacted on Monday, the Head of the drug enforcement unit stated that the Guyanese were being questioned by authorities to ascertain the origin of the vessel.

He noted that after interrogation, the crew members are likely to be charged today by the Spanish authorities. While he could not provide additional in -

The operation resulted in the arrest of six crew members, four Guyanese and two Albanians.

Once the arrested persons were transferred to the Fulmar Tax Agency patrol boat, the towing and subsequent transfer of the fishing vessel began to the Port of Arrecife, the main port facility for Lanzarote, which is one of the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa administered by Spain.

The vessel in question is registered in the port of Georgetown and was sailing without a flag at the time of the interception.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Portuguese Judicial Police in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the DEA of the United States, which warned of the existence of an international criminal organisation that intended to transfer a large amount of cocaine from one ship to another on the high seas.

The cocaine being offloaded

The vessel “Mathieu” being escorted by Spanish authorities

Sod turned for $178M Magistrate’s Court at Anna Regina

In yet another remarkable development for the township of Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), residents witnessed the momentous sod-turning ceremony for the $178.2 million Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

This groundbreaking project is set to revolutionise the judicial landscape of the region.

The building will house a courtroom, Magistrates’ chambers, living quarters for a Magistrate and a clerk of court, washroom facilities, parking facilities, and a perimeter fence. The court will deal with cases arising from Pomeroon to Supenaam.

The contract was awarded to Satar Mohamed and Sons Construction and Hardware Supplies with a timeline of 12 months to complete the project.

The ceremony was attended by an impressive team of officials, including members of the Judiciary, Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission, and regional officials along with the project’s consultants and contractors.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall emphasised the need for a modern justice system not only in Region Two but throughout the country. He added that the Government is fully dedicated to making substantial investments to enhance the judicial system.

The AG stated that the new court is a symbol of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s unwavering commitment to

further invest in the judicial and legal systems, while adding that it underscores the Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal and accessible justice throughout our entire nation.

“Our Government is com-

in place for construction.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Roxane George during a brief remark emphasised that their purpose is to serve the people of Guyana with the highest standard.

She also highlighted that the construction of the build-

mitted to working together with the Judiciary to access equal and easy access to justice to all the people in Guyana,” he said Delivering the feature address, Chancellor of the

ing will prioritise the comfort of their staff, enabling them to serve the people effectively and efficiently.

Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards highlighted the significant steps taken to remove obstacles to justice, by bringing it closer to the people.

She expressed gratitude to the Attorney General for assisting in securing the plot of land and more so, to the Government for financing the project.

She outlined that following the identification of the plot of land, a Certificate of Title was acquired and plans were put

“That is what we are committed to do… serve the community, the people in the region and the township. We look forward to your support and will continue to partner with you…so we will work entangle with the community and you will work entangle with the court to serve the people in the region,” the Chief Justice added.

The court’s completion will not only enhance the legal infrastructure but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the township. (Raywattie Deonarine)

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC; acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice, Roxane George and Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva among other stakeholders during the sod-turning event

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva engaging with Minister Nandlall, and Justice George

Construction has commenced on the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging teachers on Monday at State House

FFTP continues to contribute to agricultural sector

As Guyana observes Agriculture Month under the theme "Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025: Investing in AgriBusiness and Food Security," Food For The Poor (Guy) Inc continues to play a major role in the development of the agricultural sector.

At the beginning of 2023, FFTP partnered with the Agriculture Ministry through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) Spice Expansion Project to promote livelihood enhancement and food security in Region One (Barima Waini).

It donated agricultural tools such as hoes, machetes, forks, shovels, and files which saw 140 farmers from several villages in the Matarkai Sub District, Port Kaituma benefitting.

Further, it collaborated with Partners of the Americas through their Farmer-to-Farmer programme to host a five-day Organisational Management Workshop with the Central Mahaicony Perth Village Farmers Association. From

this workshop, more than 15 farmers were able to benefit.

In addition, FFTP partnered with the Americas in April to host a five-day workshop for the Sandvoort Farmers Association and the West Berbice Sheep and Goat Association. This ini-

Giving Hope Foundation kicks off Pinktober 2023 with tree-wrapping exercise

Giving Hope Foundation on Sunday kickstarted the month-long activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the annual tree-wrapping exercise along Camp Street.

Founder of the Giving Hope Foundation, Latoya Gooding related, “It is with extreme delight that we’ve collaborated with GTT for Pinktober 2023 along with the Ministry of Health and other sister NGOs, to ensure we continue to raise education and awareness around the fight against not only breast cancer, but all types of cancers affecting our nation.”

According to data from the Ministry of Health, in 2018 Guyana’s cancer incidence rate was at a staggering 46.9 per cent - the highest in the Caribbean. This was coupled with a mortality rate of 21.0 per 100,000 persons.

“With these astonishing stats, it is important that the work of the NGOs continue, as we sound a voice for all affected. Companies like GTT help us to advocate for change on a larger scale, bringing us all together with Many Hands and Caring Hearts, as is this year’s theme,” Gooding added.

Chief Commercial Officer at GTT, Kerchelle Jn Charles, who was a part of the team that kickstarted the Pinktober activities on Sunday, said “It was heartwarming to see so many cancer survivors, NGOs, families, and friends all coming together to promote hope and be that catalyst of change we need for Guyana. This speaks directly to our theme this year that with Many Hands,

Officials at the tree-wrapping exercise

Caring Hearts, we can make a difference.”

Jn Charles said the company, along with the Ministry of Health and NGOs is taking advocacy to a new level this year. Pinktober 2023 already has a commitment from SBM Offshore, NCN, 94.1, 90.1 MixFm, Digicel, Caribbean Surgery Inc, Baker Hughes, Starr Computers, Keynote Productions, Little GiftBox, SB Enterprise, Jai Signs, Chands Printery, Print Zone, RD Productions, Telco Solutions, GuyOil, Global Healthcare Supplies Inc, Pixels GY, Ramoutar & Sons Contracting Services, Haute Couture, Ansa McAl, Gafoors, Guyana Logistics and Support Services, Cevon's Waste Management, PBS Technologies Guyana, and KFC to lend in the fight against cancer.

“It is our belief that with “Many Hands, and Caring Hearts”, our theme for 2023, we all can be champions and advocates of hope in our own right.”

This year the Pinktober 2023 campaign is the Journey to 30M. This journey is a

heartfelt and ambitious initiative aimed at raising funds to support cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.

Also included in the list of activities this year is a medical outreach in Bartica for World Palliative Care Day on October 8 and a similar activity in Berbice on October 15.

The Look Good, Feel Better Fashion Show and Magazine Launch is a much-anticipated Saturday evening event that encourages advocacy through the art of fashion. It is paired with a gala titled A Night of Hope and Fashion on the same evening (October 21).

Additionally, the most anticipated event for Pinktober is making a big return – The Walk/Run & Health Fair on October 29.

The public is encouraged to join the walk and become advocates of hope by securing their package today by ordering online at www.https:// www.gttpinktober.com or visiting any one of GTT’s retail stores to make their purchase.

tiative saw 27 farmers successfully completing the programme.

FFTP (Guy) Inc was also able to enhance the Agricultural Self-Sufficiency Programme of the Guyana Prison Service.

Back In 2022, it donated 108 units of basic tools, including hoes with handles, pickaxes, forks, machetes, shovel squares with handles, spades, and triangular files.

From this donation, the programme was able to harvest an average combined total of 1941 kg of vegetables and fruits in 2023.

Tillers were also distributed to the Sandvoort Beekeeping Group, the Sustainable Livelihood Marketing Producers Cooperation of Linden, and the Gibraltar Farmers Group.

Its agricultural pro-

grammes and projects are aimed at increasing production and improving cultivation through the implementation of climate-smart agriculture.

The impact FFTP (Guy) Inc is making in Guyana ties into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 - "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture."

GFS kicks off 49th Fire Prevention Anniversary on Sunday

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Sunday kicked off its 49th Fire Prevention Anniversary under the theme, “For the future of our nation, practice fire safety and prevention”.

The traditional service opened with inspirational music by the Guyana Police Force Band, followed by the draping of the Guyana Fire Service Flag and the Marching on of the Colour Party.

The firefighters’ prayer was then recited, followed by praise and worship, which

bers of the Guyana Fire Service.

was done by the Guyana Fire Service Choir.

Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Indigenous prayers were done by ranks of the Fire Service, after which short sermons were done by Rajindra Ramnauth from the Guyana Pandit Council, Asif Williams from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), and Dr Wilbert Lee from the First Assembly of God Church, representing Guyana’s three main religions.

The religious service also

included interpretive dances and special songs performed by members of the GFS and came to a close with the vote of thanks done by Divisional Officer Haimchandra Persaud and the Marching Off of the Colour Party.

Those in attendance were Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore; Deputy Head of CANU, Rayon Samuels; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot; Head of the Intelligence Unit (GPF), Errol Watts; other special invitees, and mem-

This year’s Fire Prevention Month of activities will include community outreaches, visits to several children’s homes and senior citizens' homes, fire safety exhibitions, school visits, fire safety talks, an open day at Fire Stations across the country, a school fair and exhibition, a curry-que, comedy jam, and many other activities that will be conducted at Fire Stations and in communities in all ten administrative regions across Guyana.

The Guyana Fire Service is imploring citizens to practice fire safety and prevention as they strive to eliminate loss of life and property by fire. Homes and businesses should be equipped with fire suppression tools or systems, vigilance should be practiced during the dry season, and all fires should be reported to the Fire Department in a timely manner.

Some of the beneficiaries of agricultural tools

Prisoners doing their part with the assistance of FFTP

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and other officials at the service

The Marching on of the Colour Party

Govt seeking to open new lands in savannahs to expand corn, soya cultivation – Min Mustapha

On the precipice of several groundbreaking initiatives to achieve food security and Vision 25 by 2025, the Agriculture Ministry is pulling out all the stops to augment its efforts locally. Now, attention is being placed on the intermediate savannahs, and projects which can be rolled out there.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday addressed an event to mark Agriculture Month, where he announced that the Government is looking at opening new lands in the intermediate savannahs.

“The Government continues to invest in opening new agricultural lands. We are looking to open new lands in the intermediate savannah. We are going into new crops. We’re talking about corn and soya, high-value crops, and trial of wheat. Very shortly, bio-fortified rice will become a variety for farmers to plant. These are monumental achievements for us in the ag-

riculture sector,” Mustapha outlined.

The Government has partnered with the private sector in the intermediate savannah to commence production of corn and soya – two products for which the country is aiming to be self-sufficient by 2025. This means all livestock feed will be produced locally.

Combined efforts have been made to achieve food security by amplifying food production, introducing new crops, creating markets for farmers, and diving into agro-processing.

In light of this, he noted that the next two years will be critical in achieving regional targets.

“Let us put our shoulders to the wheel. The next two years will be the years we will have to ensure that we spend more time, we give more of our time to this important sector. Now is the time that we will have to lead the sector. From the Government’s perspective, we’re having the support from

Central Government, the leadership from the President.”

Guyana, over the last few years, re-emerged as a leader in agriculture across the Caricom Region, having taken the lead in reducing the high dependency on extra-regional imports by 25 per cent by 2025. Caricom Member States have so far achieved an overall 57 per cent of the target towards Vision 25 by 2025.

The theme for this

MARAD, Chile collaborate to host port security seminar

year’s Agriculture Month is: “Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025: Investing in AgriBusiness and Food Security”.

This year’s Agriculture Month calendar of activities will feature several events across the country with the aim of building a greater awareness of the importance of investing in and diversifying the sector.

The main event of the month will be the AgriInvestment Forum and Expo which will be held from October 20 to 22 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The Government has increased the budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector by a 150 per cent increase, moving from $13.3 billion in 2019 to $33.2 billion in 2023. They are also working with the private sector so that a

state-of-the-art regional food hub can be created in Guyana.

Guyana has embarked on several initiatives to bridge the production gap which include the diversification from traditional industries, the development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties; and the introduction of improved genetics in livestock.

There have also been several agriculture input support programmes for farmers, such as fertiliser, and seed distribution exercises. Investments have also been made to upgrade infrastructure to support the agriculture sector such as drainage and irrigation structures, farm-to-market access roads, laboratories, and processing facilities.

Ahead of COP28, financing for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is a topic President Dr Irfaan Ali has been very vocal on. Now, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has joined in this advocacy for the developed world to honour its pledges.

In a statement, Director of ECLAC Caribbean, Diane Quarless said the international community will be ultimately responsible if the developing world fails to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out by the UN.

Several Coast Guard and law enforcement officers are set to receive advanced training in enhancing port surveys and shoreline security, following the opening of a port security seminar on Monday.

The five-day session, which is a collaboration between the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and DIRECTEMAR Chile, is being held at the Coast Guard Training Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.

During the opening ceremony, MARAD’s Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas, stressed the importance of equipping persons with advanced skills, specifically Coast Guards, as port security is key for Guyana.

“These efforts are not only about more cameras and higher fences and more hardware, but the most important aspect for us is having properly trained port security personnel,” the Director General stated.

Captain Thomas explained that as Guyana fosters bilateral ties with more countries, trade is expected to expand, and the ocean is

a form of transportation for goods and services.

“Guyana is a country that depends on about 90 per cent of our trade via ships, in addition to our international obligations. So, port security is crucial to our survival and economic being,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Captain Pablo Ferrada of Chile said the collaboration between the two countries is necessary due to the ongoing economic transformation of Guyana. He believes that the seminar would also strengthen the relationship

between the two countries.

“This seminar is an exceptional opportunity for mutual learning, experience sharing, and strengthening our capacities in port security. Through strategic reflection and dialogue, I hope that together we can identify and overcome challenges and threats in our sector,” the Chilean Captain underscored.

The port security conference is part of World Maritime Week, which is being celebrated under the theme “MARPOL at 50.”

She made these comments in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, during a media breakfast organised by the United Nations Information Centre for the Caribbean. According to her, the international community will be ultimately responsible since they made a commitment to implement Agenda 2030, which sets benchmarks for the SDGs.

Further, the ECLAC Director noted that Caribbean countries are faced with an uphill task when it comes to overcoming burdensome debt and debt service payments, especially when one considers the exposure of these small states to loss and damage from climate change-induced natural hazards and their inadequate access to low-cost financing.

“The international community has not shown empathy to the Small Island States that have been graduated… You have a per capita income that is over a threshold that says… you are big boys now; you can stand on your own. So, you are not getting access to concessionary financing,” she was quoted as saying.

“It is not going to be a failure on us, it is going to be a failure of the global community, because it is a global commitment that has been made.

This is why I spoke about intergenerational and intragenerational equity and the developed countries have a responsibility to lift the developing ones… and that lift means you provide the resources for them to achieve,” she added when asked about the possibility of not achieving the SDGs.

When it comes to addressing gaps in financing the SDGs, the Resident Coordinator for the UN system in Trinidad, Joanna Kazana also explained that the world has “more than adequate” resources to support SIDs in achieving the SDGs. Here, she pointed to the money spent on war worldwide.

“This year it is going to be almost three trillion dollars globally. We have the money, we have plenty of money, we are just spending it on activities that are completely destructive and throwing us back to the level of development that we have worked so hard to achieve. We have to change the course,” she said.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica, Dennis Zulu remarked that there is a sustainable development gap between the UN and world leaders and the common person. In fact, he noted that many people around the world do not know about the SDGs.

The Caribbean-focused discussion follows the recently concluded SDG Summit, and the halfway assessment point toward the 2030 Agenda. Meanwhile, the 28th

Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) will be held from November 30 to December 12 and is expected to provide a platform for world leaders, Ministers and negotiators to develop solutions to address climate change and financing.

At the previous Conference of the Parties – COP27 –which was held in Sharm elSheikh, Egypt in December of last year, one outcome was the setting up of a climate fund for poorer and more vulnerable countries, which would constitute “loss and damage” funding.

Meanwhile, the Fourth SIDS International Conference – to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27-30, 2024 – will similarly bring world leaders together to agree on a new programme that focuses on practical and impactful solutions to keep SIDS afloat and maintain a sustainable, safe future.

The SDGs include Goal 1 - No Poverty; Goal 2 - Zero Hunger; Goal 3 - Health and Wellbeing; Goal 4Education; Goal 6 – Potable Water, Water Sanitation and Harvesting Water; Goal 7 – Renewable Energy and Access to Energy; Goal 9 –Infrastructure Industry and Innovation; Goal 11 – Cities and Municipalities, Housing, Disaster Risk Management, and Preparedness, and Goal 17 - Means and Implementation of the SDGs.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Corn and soya bean cultivation

Some of the Coast Guards and other law enforcement officers present at the opening of the seminar

Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Stephen Thomas along with Captain of DIRECTEMAR Chile, Pablo Ferrada and other officials

Failure of SDGs will be in hands of int’l community – ECLAC Director

– says Caribbean still has uphill financial task against debt

ECLAC Caribbean Director, Diane Quarless

Smuggled Venezuelan migrants processed, released

the Home Affairs Minister said.

“But other than that, in this case they appear to be coming well out in the ocean. And I know it would be a very difficult journey for them. It appears they would have been coming (from) well out in the ocean and there’s some talk about them laying up overnight at various places and then coming in to drop off people.”

Minister Benn noted that one of the complications the authorities have had to deal with, is the fact that many of these Venezuelan migrants

already have family or/and friends residing in Guyana. Some of them even have Guyanese parentage.

Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Guyana are being encouraged to present themselves to immigration authorities to get registered in order to benefit from services offered by the Government.

Reports indicate that there are about 40,000 Venezuelan migrants residing in Guyana, however, only about 21,700 are officially documented.

Despite the border con-

troversy between Guyana and Venezuela and the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Government of Guyana has taken a policy decision to offer humanitarian assistance to migrants fleeing from Venezuela.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already indicated that his Government is cautious of the possibility of foreign agents infiltrating the country under the guise of being migrants, but noted that systems are in place to ensure the nation’s national integrity remains protected.

The dozens of Venezuelan migrants who were recently smuggled into Guyana have been processed by local immigration authorities and released.

Some 80 migrants, including adults and children, arrived at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and were almost immediately detained by Police. Reports are that they

were fleeing social and economic hardships in their home country. Some of the migrants are Guyanese, who have returned home to their families.

Home Affairs Minister

Robeson Benn had told this publication that the boats on which the migrants arrived were to be seized, but Guyana Times has been unable to determine the current status of the vessels.

Benn had also indicated that this recent group

of migrants that landed on Guyana’s shores appeared to have come from a “floating base” in the Atlantic Ocean.

“There are floating bases out there, with small patrol boats both coming through from the Waini and at the mouth of the Pomeroon River. There are a number of places where you have, for instance, inlets where you can go and not be observed. Whether they’re paddling or coming in a powered boat,”

Gold chain thief gets 2 years

A23-year-old maintenance worker, who admitted to stealing a woman's gold jewellery, was given a two-year prison sentence on Monday.

After receiving the jail sentence in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts from Magistrate Rhondell Weever, Keron Wright of Lot 127 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, yelled, "Wuh!"

He then turned to the back of the courtroom where a woman, who appeared to be close to him, was seated in a chair, crying. He was unrepresented by legal counsel.

On September 13 on Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, he stole from the person of Sandita Doodnauth, a gold chain worth $35,000 and a gold ring worth $30,000.

The Police prosecutor told the court that Doodnauth noticed a man following her on Croal Street on the day in question at around 9:10h. As such, she moved into the corner to make room for him to pass by. However, the man also came to a stop before continuing to move in that direction.

The man approached Doodnauth as she tried to enter a store and ordered her not to move. Then, after relieving her of her chain, he successfully fled on foot.

The man then went back to the place in question and made the woman give over her gold ring.

On September 29, Doodnauth spotted the thief heading down Cornhill Street in Georgetown and reported the incident to the Police. The individual was eventually arrested. He was subsequently identified as Keron Wright.

Wright responded, "See

Jailed: Keron Wright

with meh. I is d only breadwinner. Muh girlfriend belly big with twins” when the Magistrate asked if he had anything to say before the punishment was imposed.

Magistrate Weever took into account the thief's firsttime offender status as well as the seriousness and frequency of the crime while determining the appropriate penalty. According to her, Wright was “bold” when he returned and carried away the woman’s ring. Magistrate Weever said that the man had no remorse for his wrongdoing.

A "strong message" needed to be delivered to potential criminals, she said, as she imposed the jail sentence after taking the aforementioned into account.

In January of this year, Wright was charged with robbing a woman of three gold chains valued at $430,000.

According to that charge, he robbed Juan Rosemay of the jewellery on Wednesday, December 21, 2021, at Lime Street in Georgetown, while accompanying a companion and brandishing a gun.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge after which he was remanded to prison.

In relating the facts of the matter, the prosecutor had told the court that Rosemay and Wright are acquainted.

The virtual complainant was sweeping her yard at home on the day in question at around 12:30am when Wright confronted her, brandished a gun in her face, and took the three gold necklaces from her neck.

He then mounted a male rider's motorcycle and the two of them took off. After the complainant reported the incident to the Police, Wright was taken into custody.

He was informed of the crime, which he vehemently rejected. He was, however, recognised in a private CCTV recording and charged as a result, said the prosecutor. Although Wright informed Magistrate Weever that this case had been dropped, this publication was unable to independently verify the case's legal standing.

The Venezuelan migrants after arriving at Tuschen

35 of 266 matters disposed of at Demerara June Criminal Assizes

– October session opens today with 277 cases

ln the two other matters, one accused was found not guilty by jury verdict, while in the other, the trial Judge upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

sentenced respectively to seven years, six years, six years, and 10 years’ imprisonment.

The June session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes had commenced with a total of 266 cases listed to be heard – of which 35 matters were successfully disposed of.

Justices Navindra Singh, Priya SewnarineBeharry, and Jo-Ann Barlow presided over these assizes.

Twenty-eight of the 35 matters were presented at the High Court in Demerara. Of the 28 matters, 16 were for the offence of murder, 10 for sexual offences, and two matters for the offence of attempting to commit murder. The remaining cases were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),

Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC.

There were six convictions, 13 guilty pleas, six not-guilty verdicts by jury, five formal verdicts of not guilty, and two hung juries. There were 33 accused in these matters. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP) Tiffini Lyken, Senior State Counsel Nafeeza Baig and State Counsel Praneeta Seeraj prosecuted five matters in the Sexual Offences Court before Justice Navindra Singh.

In these five separate cases, three accused were found guilty by jury while two of them were each sentenced to life imprisonment, the other one was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

State Counsel Caressa Henry, Latiffa Elliot, Abiola Lowe and Mikel Puran completed five matters for the offence of murder before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry. ln four of these trials, the accused all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

ln one of these cases there were two accused who were indicted together and each of them was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. The accused in the other three matters were respectively sentenced to 12 years, 10 years, and six years and 11 months’ imprisonment. The accused in the other matter was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty.

State Counsel Caressa Henry, Marisa Edwards, Paneeta Persaud and Mikel Puran prosecuted four matters for the offence of murder before Justice Navindra Singh. ln three of these matters the accused all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and were

Guyanese businessman gets reduced jail time on drug trafficking charge

months from the nine-year sentence but will not challenge the court system for extra time he spent.

He is expected to return to Guyana, where he operates a security firm.

Khan was arrested back in 2020 after arriving at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, in New York, for drug-related charges.

to Khan’s seat, immediately arrested him, then removed him from the plane.

It was after this that the passengers were allowed to disembark the plane, this newspaper was told.

Reports are that Khan, prior to his flight to the US, was part of the local Private Sector Commission (PSC) security committee.

There were two accused in one of these cases. ln the other case, Justice Singh upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, Simran Gajraj, Rbina Christmas and Madana Rampersaud prosecuted two matters for the offences of murder and attempt to commit murder before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

ln the one murder case the accused was found guilty by jury verdict and sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.

The accused in the matter for the offence of attempt to commit murder and wounding with intent pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 years and six months’ imprisonment.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, Yonika Rowland, Madana Rampersaud, Praneeta Seeraj, Latifa Elliot, Rbina Christmas, Dellon Fraser and Caressa Henry completed seven matters before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

Of these seven matters, six were for the offence of murder and one for attempt to commit murder with the alternative of felonious wounding.

ln one of these murder cases the accused pleaded guilty as charged and will be sentenced on October 9. In two matters, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter; one was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment while the other will be sentenced on October 5.

In the other three murder trials, there was one in which three accused were indicted together and the trial Judge upheld no case submissions in favour of all and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

ln another one, the jury failed to reach a verdict and the accused was remanded to prison to await a new trial. The accused in the other matter was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty.

ln the one case for the offence of attempt to commit murder with the alternative count of felonious wounding, the accused was found guilty of the alternative count and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

He was ordered to undergo anger management while in prison.

Meanwhile, State Counsel Lattifa Elliot, Simran Gajraj, Rbina Christmas and Delon Fraser presented five matters before Justice JoAnn Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court.

ln four of these trials the accused were acquitted by jury verdicts of not guilty. ln the other matter in which two accused were indicted together, one was found guilty and will be sentenced on October 26; his co-accused was sent back to prison to await a new trial after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Of the eight matters nolle prosequi by the DPP, six were for sexual offences and two for attempted murder. The complainants in these matters submitted written statements that they did not wish to proceed with their matters.

The Demerara October 2023 Criminal Assizes will open today, Tuesday, October 3, with 277 cases listed for trial. Rostered to sit are Justices Jo-Ann Barlow, Simone MorrisRamlall, and Navindra Singh.

Forty-five-year-old

Guyanese businessman Ghalee Khan, who appealed a nine-year jail term back in 2021 for drug trafficking and jumping bail, was on Monday resentenced to 18 months.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Frederic Block of the US Federal Court on September 26. Khan has already served 42

It was reported that Khan had his lawyers strike a deal with US authorities over pending narcotics trafficking charges that he has in the United States before he boarded a plane destined for JFK Airport.

Reports are that as soon as the American Airlines flight landed, US law enforcement boarded the plane and requested that everyone remain seated. The officers then proceeded

In 2009, Khan had faced drug trafficking charges in Guyana. In 2008 he was arrested and charged in the state of Brooklyn for allegedly participating with another Guyanese in a “cocaine drop-off”. Reports are that the US court had released him on bail pending the trial but he reportedly escaped to Guyana. As such, an arrest warrant was issued for him in the United States.

Guyanese businessman Ghalee Khan

Regional UN authorises Haiti security mission to fight gangs

The United Nations Security Council on Monday authorised a foreign security mission to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean country asked for help to fight violent gangs that have largely overrun its capital Port-auPrince.

"More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress," Haiti's Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the Council. "It's a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering."

The 15-member Council adopted a resolution, drafted by the United States and Ecuador, that authorises the so-called Multinational Security Support mission "to take all necessary measures" – code for use of force.

China and Russia abstained from the vote, wary of authorising the blanket use of force under Chapter 7 of the founding UN Charter. The remaining 13 members voted in favour.

"We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member State facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiralling gang violence," said senior US diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis.

The Security Council also expanded a UN arms embargo to include all gangs – a measure China wanted.

Haitian officials have said guns used by gangs are believed to be mostly imported from the United States. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals.

"This is a very important decision. If the council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to what it is today," China's UN

Dominica’s 1st woman Head of State sworn in

Dominica’s first woman Head of State, Sylvanie Burton, was sworn into office on Monday promising to serve all members of the population as the island moves forward in an uncertain global environment.

Ambassador Zhang Jun told the council after the vote.

The response to Haiti's request for help was delayed due to a struggle to find a country willing to lead a security assistance mission.

Kenya stepped forward in July with a pledge of 1000 Police. The Bahamas then committed 150 persons, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda are also willing to help.

Following the council's approval on Monday, it was not immediately clear how quickly a force could be deployed.

"Today's vote is only the first step. Now, the work of getting the mission off the ground begins," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.

While not sending any troops, the US Government hopes to provide US$100 million to back the multinational mission with logistical and financial assistance, that could include intelligence, airlift, communications and medical support.

Countries have been cautious of supporting the unelected administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has said fair elections cannot be held with current insecurity. Haiti has been without any elected repre-

sentatives since January.

The Security Council stressed an "urgent need" for Haiti to make progress toward "transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes and free and fair elections".

The security assistance mission, while approved by the UN Security Council, is not a United Nations operation.

UN peacekeepers were deployed to Haiti in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Peacekeeping troops left in 2017 and were replaced by UN Police, who left in 2019.

Haitians are wary of an armed UN presence. The Caribbean country was free of cholera until 2010, when UN peacekeepers dumped infected sewage into a river. More than 9000 people died of the disease, and some 800,000 fell ill.

The Council resolution adopted on Monday asks the countries taking part in the security mission "to adopt appropriate wastewater management and other environmental controls to guard against the introduction and spread of water-borne diseases".

(Reuters)

Venezuelan Opposition sticks to primary election date after delay request

Venezuela's Opposition elections commission on Monday said it would move forward with its October 22 date to elect a candidate to stand against the ruling party in next year's presidential vote, after the National Electoral Council (NCE) requested a delay. The National Electoral Council (CNE) last month responded to a June request to assist the Opposition's primary elections, saying it could provide assistance such as voting centres and machines if the date was postponed to November 19 to confirm details.

A majority of 13 Opposition candidates rejected this request.

"We could not interrupt the organisation of the primary vote," the Commission said in the statement on Monday, asking that electoral authorities take into account the slow response from the CNE, which underwent an internal reorganisation after some members resigned in June.

The Commission – made up of eight lawyers and experts – said it had asked for up to 400 additional voting centres as well as security at the centres and help facilitating visas for electoral experts and foreign journalists covering the process.

It was not clear how or when the CNE would respond.

Commission president

“Fellow citizens, as I begin this new chapter of my journey, I am very aware that my election to the Office of President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, has sparked unprecedented dialogue because I am Kaliangoo and a woman,” she said, soon after taking the oath of office before High Court judge, Justice Jacqueline JosiahGraham.

Burton, 58, dressed in the national wear, is from the Kaliangoo Territory, where the descendants of the country’s indigenous people, the Caribs, still reside.

“So let me assure the

nation that I will be a president for all Dominicans… both here and abroad, not only for the Kaliangoo, not only for women, but I will be a President for all and let me emphasis all the citizens in our beloved Dominica,” said Burton, who on Sunday was given the island’s highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour.

The former senior public servant, who became the island’s 10th Head of State, replacing Charles Savarin, the former Government Minister, diplomat and trade unionist, who served two five-year terms, said she was asking for the prayers of the nation as she embarks upon the largely ceremonial position.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Mexico sends buses for migrants in the south, as thousands reach US border a day

Several hundred migrants in southern Mexico on Monday awaited buses north in a new Government programme meant to help manage the number of people arriving, as Mexico's President said 10,000 people have been reaching the US border daily.

Thousands of migrants have crossed into the US from Mexico in recent weeks, alarming officials in US border cities and prompting delays to trade.

In the northern city of Tijuana on Monday, opposite San Diego, California,

several dozen people scrambled over a part of the US border wall that cuts across the beach at the Pacific Ocean in a video seen by Reuters.

More than 3000 kilometres (1864 miles) south, at a bus terminal in the city of Juchitan in Oaxaca state, some migrants said they would enter the US with appointments secured via a US government app, CBP One, and request asylum.

"Let's wait for the appointment, because we've suffered so much just to get this far," said Victor Salma, from Venezuela.

Salma was among about 400 people, including families with small children, awaiting buses headed to the state capital or Mexico City.

Oaxaca officials opened the site last week in an effort to reduce risks for migrants, who had been gathering in large numbers at local bus terminals while trying to buy bus tickets north.

In September, the number of migrants encountered at the US-Mexico border was on pace to approach, or surpass, previous monthly highs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jesus Maria Casal said the Opposition counts some 3000 electoral centres through the country, nearly half in private homes as well as squares and professional centres.

Some 14,000 Venezuelan schools typically serve as electoral centres for the country's 20 million voters, but since the primary is being carried out independently, these cannot be used without provision from the CNE.

Amid criticisms from Washington, Venezuelan authorities have in recent months banned some opposition candidates from holding public office, including Maria Corina Machado, who polls see as the favourite to win the primary vote. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Death toll rises to 11 in Sunday Mexico church collapse

The death toll from the collapse of a church roof during a Sunday Mass in northern Mexico has risen to 11, with around 60 others injured, officials said on Monday, as local authorities began wrapping up search and rescue efforts.

Five women, two men and three children were among those killed at the church in the Gulf Coast city of Ciudad Madero in Tamaulipas state, state Governor Americo Villarreal said. The death toll rose to 11 later on Monday after another young women died, a local media report said, cit-

ing the state health minister.

Footage posted on social media showed the moment the church roof caved in, puffs of grey smoke billowing into the air, followed by the toppling of yellow brick outer walls.

Mexican media reported that several children were being baptised during the Mass.

All of the people attending the service are now believed to be accounted for, Villarreal said, as military personnel and emergency services used rescue dogs and heavy machinery to sift

through the ruins.

The Governor added that 23 people remained hospitalised, with two in serious condition.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered his condolences to the families of the victims during his regular morning press conference.

Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of nearby Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshippers were receiving communion and asked others to pray for survivors. (Excerpt from Reuters)

People fleeing gang violence take shelter at a sports arena, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 1, 2023 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)

President Sylvanie Burton addressing the ceremony soon after being sworn into office (CMC)

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine war: 1st underground school to be built in Kharkiv

Oil tumbles 2% to 3-week low on strong dollar, profit taking

Ukraine's first underground school will be built in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov has said.

"Such a shelter will allow thousands of children to continue their in-person education safely even during missile threats," he said.

Rocket attacks hit the Kharkiv region again on Monday - a regular occurrence.

Ukraine says more than 360 educational facilities have been destroyed and over 3000 damaged since the start of Russia's fullscale invasion in 2022.

According to the UN children agency UNICEF, only a third of Ukraine's schoolchildren currently study in-person, amid continuing deadly Russian missile and drone attacks

Oil prices fell about 2% on Monday to a three-week low as a higher-priced Brent contract expired, the US dollar strengthened and traders took profits, concerned about rising crude supplies and pressure on demand from high interest rates.

On its first day as the front-month, Brent futures for December delivery settled US$1.49, or 1.6%, lower at US$90.71 a barrel, or down about 5% from where the November contract expired on Friday. That was the Brent front-month's biggest daily percentage decline since early May.

US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI), meanwhile, fell US$1.97, or 2.2%, to settle at US$88.82 per barrel.

Analysts said some traders took profits after crude prices rose nearly 30% to 10-month highs in the third quarter.

Before the crude price pullback that started on Sept 28, US speculators boosted their net long futures and options positions on the New York Mercantile and Intercontinental Exchanges to the highest since May 2022, according to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

It is "highly likely that profit-taking by speculators is currently playing a role (in the recent price decline) and should cease weighing on markets as the days pass," analysts at energy consulting firm Gelber and Associates said in a note.

On Monday, the US dollar rose to a 10-month high against a basket of other currencies after the US Government avoided a partial shutdown and economic data fuelled expectations the US Federal Reserve will keep rates higher longer, which could slow economic growth.

Higher interest rates along with a stronger dollar, which makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, could dent oil demand.

"The global outlook is quickly taking a turn for the worse and that is both driving the king dollar trade again and weighing on the crude demand outlook," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA, noting that soaring bond yields were also pressuring crude prices.

In Europe, manufacturing data showed the euro zone, Germany and Britain remained mired in a downturn in September.

In China, the world's biggest oil importer, the World Bank maintained its forecast for 2023 economic growth at 5.1%, but trimmed its prediction for 2024, citing persistent weakness of its property sector.

Pumping more crude supply into the system, Turkey's Energy Minister said the country will restart operations this week on a pipeline from Iraq that has been suspended for about six months.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia could start to ease its additional voluntary supply cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd), ING analysts said in a note.

OPEC+, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plus Russia and other allies, will meet on Wednesday but is unlikely to tweak its current oil output policy.

A Reuters survey showed OPEC oil output rose for a second straight month in September despite cuts by Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

as well as shelling.

Many of those pupils have been forced to attend classes in underground metro stations and other makeshift shelters - often without proper heating.

Last week, the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency said many schools in the 27-member bloc were struggling to integrate children who have fled the war in Ukraine.

It said there were currently about 1.3 million Ukrainian children in the EU.

In Sunday's post on social media, the Kharkiv Mayor announced that "it is here that we plan to build the first underground school in Ukraine".

Terekhov said the school "will meet the most modern requirements for defensive buildings".

And he stressed that the

city authorities "will not reduce educational expenditure by a single hryvnia [Ukraine's currency] this year or next year, despite the lack of budget funds".

The Mayor gave no details on when the underground school would open, and how many pupils would be able to study there.

Last month, more than 1000 Kharkiv pupils start -

ed their new school year at five underground stations that were turned into the so-called "metro-schools".

The students are ferried by buses, and study in two shifts: the early one starts at 09:00 local time, followed by the late one at 13:00. Police and rescuers are on duty at each underground station. (Excerpt from Reuters)

In Burkina Faso, a million children out of school due to insecurity – UNICEF

More than one million children and 31,000 teachers have been unable to return to their classrooms in Burkina Faso due to violence and insecurity as the West African nation starts another academic year on Monday, UNICEF said.

About 6100 schools, or at least one out of four, was

shut on the first day of the school year, UNICEF said.

The junta that seized power in a military coup last year has struggled improve security in the country. Indeed, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based crisis-monitoring group, shows that vio-

Pakistan Police bust organ trafficking ring that took kidneys from hundreds

Eight members of an organ trafficking ring in north-east Pakistan have been arrested, Police say.

The ring's alleged leader, Fawad Mukhtar, is accused of extracting the kidneys of more than 300 people and transplanting them into rich clients.

He had previously been arrested five times for malpractice, but managed to secure bail each time.

At least three people died from having their organs harvested in this way, authorities said.

The gang was believed to be operating across eastern Punjab province, as well as in Pakistanadministered Kashmir.

The transplants were carried out in private homes - often without the patient knowing, the Chief Minister of Punjab province Mohsin Naqvi said.

A car mechanic is said to have worked as Mukhtar's surgical assistant and helped lure vulnerable pa -

tients from hospitals.

The kidneys were then sold for up to 10 million rupees (£99,000; US$120,000) each, Naqvi added.

"The facts and figures that have come to us make the heart tremble," Naqvi said during a press conference on Sunday.

"There are a lot more transplants and illegal surgeries than this. These are the ones that we have confirmed."

The commercial trade of human organs was made illegal in Pakistan in 2010.

The punishment for those caught includes a decade-long jail term and huge fines in the hope that this will stop sales to overseas clients by exploitative doctors, middlemen, recipients and donors.

However, there has been a rise in organ trafficking in the country as people struggle with low wages and a poor enforcement of the law. (BBC News)

lence nationwide has only increased since the coup.

"Having so many children still unable to return to school due to violence and insecurity, and so many schools closed, is very upsetting," John Agbor, UNICEF Representative in Burkina Faso, said in the statement.

Burkina Faso has been struggling to contain Islamist insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State who have killed thousands and displaced over two million people in the country, more than half of them children.

More than 3.8 million children in total are still due to return to school in Burkina Faso, including in areas affected by conflict, UNICEF said, adding it was working with authorities and other partners to help facilitate access to education, including programmes such as lessons by radio.

The violence is part of a regional insurgency that has also plagued neighbouring Mali and Niger where conflict has interrupted children's education for years in one of the poorest corners of the world. (Reuters)

Fire engulfs Police facility in Egypt's Ismailia, 25 hurt

Ahuge fire erupted at a Police facility in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia early on Monday, injuring at least 25 people before firefighters contained the blaze after several hours, emergency services and media reported.

Videos posted on social media showed the city's security directorate engulfed in flames. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.

Two witnesses told Reuters that firefighters initially appeared to struggle to tackle the blaze. More than three hours later, state television said it had been contained.

At least 25 people were injured in a preliminary count of casualties, the Egyptian Ambulance Authority said.

Civil defence sources said parts of the building had collapsed in the fire.

Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik said a committee of advisers would be formed to look into the causes of the fire and review the construction safety of the building "to restore its efficiency as soon as possible", according to his ministry.

The Ismailia incident was the latest major fire to hit Egypt. A church blaze killed at least 41 people in August 2022. (Reuters)

These defiant school graduates danced in front of a destroyed building in the Kharkiv region in June

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Focus on stretching your money and setting up a budget that keeps you out of financial trouble. Challenge yourself to set boundaries, get in shape and nurture meaningful relationships.

(March 21-April 19)

Make changes and stick to them. Don’t give in to someone who believes in get-rich-quick schemes. Change only what’s necessary and practical. Use common sense. Be responsible instead of impulsive.

(April 20-May 20)

Strive to reach your goal. Put your energy into your responsibilities. Refuse to let someone outmaneuver you. You will have to work hard today, but the rewards will be more than worth it.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Get your facts straight before you act. Putting the cart before the horse will leave you open to criticism. Bide your time and gather support. Don’t give too much leeway to others.

Don’t initiate changes you can’t afford. Your appeal will come from what you do, how you choose to live and how you treat others, not from how you look. Focus on positively impacting others.

Your actions will work against you. Get your facts straight and pay attention to what’s possible. A change requires attention. Take small steps to ensure each action you take is on solid ground.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Don’t get involved in something because of temptation. Read between the lines and determine how best to protect your rights and possessions. A gift or gesture will have strings attached.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

A change of pace will help you view what’s happening from a different perspective. Search for the positive in everything and everyone, and you’ll discover something about yourself.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don’t believe everything you hear. Ask questions, gather facts and speak the truth. Someone will blindside you with sensitive data. Think things through. Take care of your responsibilities.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Learn all you can. Don’t enter a debate you can’t win. Do your research, consider your beliefs and assess your direction. A positive change at home will be necessary.

Tidy up loose ends, lower your overhead and take the most comfortable path rather than follow someone’s lead. Your actions will have a big impact. Follow your heart.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Size up situations and look for a practical way to deal with anything affecting your emotional well-being. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to do your own thing.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

World Cup talking points…

Can England defend their crown?

The sheen may have faded from One-day Internationals (ODIs) in recent years, but the 50over World Cup remains cricket’s most prestigious title. Ahead of the latest event getting under way in India on Thursday, the PA news agency looks at what topics are up for discussion.

World Cup remains a draw despite waning interest in ODIs

The conveyor belt of T20 franchise leagues being churned out is putting the squeeze on like never before and it is the middle format especially that is feeling the pinch. Former Australia Captain Ian Chappell last week admonished administrators for neglecting ODIs in favour of T20s while India great Sachin Tendulkar said earlier this year the 50-over format was getting “boring” and “predictable”. The importance of bilateral ODI series may continue to dwindle, but conversely the World Cup remains the crown jewel, as demonstrated by England’s Ben Stokes ending his retirement for one more shot at glory.

No West Indies, no party

There will be a distinct lack of Caribbean flair this year as the West Indies, winners of the first two events in 1975 and 1989, were unable to qualify. Full member nations Zimbabwe and Ireland also miss out but it is the absence of the Windies that will be felt the most. They bear a lot of responsibility after failing first in the 202123 World Cup Super League then at a separate qualifying tournament in June. But while other sports encourage growth and expand its global events, cricket has shrunk to a 10-team World Cup for its last two editions. A return to a 14-team set-up is planned from 2027.

England at the double?

England prevailed by the barest of all margins four years ago – although the boundary countback rule has been abolished and, now, there will be further super overs until a winner emerges. Despite Eoin Morgan standing down, Jos Buttler oversaw a more formulaic triumph in the 2022 T20 World Cup, meaning

England will have a target on their backs. They have brought along eight members of the 2019-trophy winning side, plus the rehabilitating Jofra Archer as a travelling reserve, while an average of 31.4 has seen them labelled “Dad’s Army” in some quarters. Experience, though, is rarely a bad thing and England retaining their crown would

mark them out as one of the greatest white-ball sides in history.

India v Pakistan

The marquee occasion of the tournament that carries the weighty tagline of attracting up to one billion viewers. As they have not faced each other in a bilateral match since 2013 amid fraught relations between

the two nations, any meeting now takes on extra significance. Witness last year’s T20 World Cup showdown, when Virat Kohli produced arguably his magnum opus to get India home in front of 90,000 frenzied fans at the MCG. While the players are said to be friendly with each other, Pakistan faced a delay – having to cancel a trip to Dubai – before securing

their visas earlier this week. They have now arrived in India – can Pakistan spoil the party at Ahmedabad on October 14?

Missing pace aces India, and the sub-continent as a whole, is historically not a happy hunting ground for pacemen but there will be enough variety in the pitches and conditions for all types of bowlers to thrive.

However, South Africa pair Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala, Pakistan’s Naseem Shah and Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera are high-profile quicks who will miss out. There is no guarantee Archer, England’s super over hero, will get any game time while team-mate Mark Wood has not bowled competitively since July. India’s Jasprit Bumrah is also still feeling his way back to his best after a year on the sidelines. Niggles, knocks, and injuries are sure to strike at some point in the six-anda-half-week campaign and countries will have to be on their guard amid exacting travel schedules that may stretch bodies and minds. (Sportsmax)

Andretti's bid to enter F1 approved by FIA

The US-based Andretti team's bid to enter Formula 1 with General Motors' Cadillac brand has been approved by motorsport's governing body, the FIA.

Andretti Formula Racing were the only team approved by the FIA out of four candidates who made it to the second phase of the new teams’ process.

All others were deemed not to have met the required criteria.

Andretti-Cadillac's bid will now be assessed by rights holders Formula 1 on a commercial basis.

F1 will only admit Andretti if it considers their entry to add value to the championship as a whole.

There is no defined period for this assessment to take place, and it is likely to last some months. F1 is widely expected to reject Andretti's bid.

A statement from the FIA said each application was assessed based on sporting, technical, and financial analysis.

President Mohammed

Ben Sulayem said: "The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the

expressions of interest procedure.

"Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.

"The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the expressions of interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC's appli-

cation would proceed to the next stage of the application process.

"Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects."

The FIA did not reveal the identities of the other teams who were assessed in the second phase of the process, but they are widely known within the sport.

The final four were Andretti, a partnership between New Zealand's Ronin Cars and the Carlin racing

organisation; junior category race team Hitech, and an Asian partnership known as Lucky Suns.

Two other candidates –Formula Eagle, led by former BAR team boss Craig Pollock, and Pantera Team Asia – were ruled out at an earlier stage.

In a statement, Formula 1 said: "We note the FIA's conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application."

Andretti-Cadillac added: "We appreciate the FIA's rigorous, transparent, and complete evaluation process and are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to compete in such a historic and prestigious championship.

"We look forward to engaging with all of the stakeholders in Formula 1 as we continue our planning to join the grid as soon as possible."

Will Andretti be accepted?

F1's bosses have been lukewarm on the idea of a new team ever since Sulayem announced his decision to open up a new teams candidate process in 2022.

Greg Maffei, the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media, which owns F1, said in June: "In the right set of circumstances, we would work to get the 11th team. Somebody who could bring a lot of value to the sport, a lot of value to the fans."

F1 Chairman Stefano Domenicali said earlier this year: "There are a lot of dimensions to consider and we don't have to overreact because someone is pushing the system."

This was a veiled reference to Andretti, whose

founder Michael Andretti is regarded by many in F1 to have been too aggressive in his bid to be accepted into the sport.

The existing 10 teams have made clear their opposition to any new entrants.

F1's governing documents, often referred to as the Concorde Agreement, allow for up to 12 teams to take part in the sport.

And they mandate a US$200 million anti-dilution fee to be split between the existing teams to compensate them for the loss of prize money caused by their portion of F1's funds being split 11 ways rather than 10.

A number of teams have suggested that US$200 million is too low a figure given the apparent rise in value of the teams as a result of the sport's increase in popularity in recent years.

Estimates put the value of leading teams at close to US$1 billion.

An investment by a group including Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny in Renaultowned Alpine, who are sixth in this year's world championship with six races to go, valued the team at £706 million in June. (BBC Sport)

England will begin their title defence against New Zealand this Thursday

Michael Andretti currently owns teams that compete in IndyCar, Formula E and Extreme E

National Senior Track & Field Championships… Holder grabs sprint double, Springer impresses

Alightning fast Noelex Holder managed to secure the sprint double, but teenage sensation Tianna Springer hindered any similar thought that Keliza Smith might have had when the Athletics Association of Guyana’s National Senior Track and Field meet continued on Sunday.

Akeem Stewart took third in 21.18s. Barely missing out on a podium position was up-and-coming speedster Ezekiel Newton, who finished in 21.58s.

In the women’s event, Springer put on a show to hold her nerve in a close race, crossing the line in 24.19s for first place. She was trailed closely by Smith

Simeon Adams took the men’s title in 49.19s, while Joshua Lam and teenaged Malachi Austin completed the podium, both in 49.56s.

The 800m event saw triumph for McPherson, who stopped the clock in 2:37.65 for first place. Jelicia Wright clocked 2:40.19 for second while Delicia Tinnis finished in 2:51.95 for the bronze spot.

a 59.65m throw for second place, while Kleon Spellen threw 55.80m for third.

The women’s event was won by Tanisha Cort, who threw 35.84m, while Shontell Browne registered a best throw of 30.73m for second. Sasha James completed the women’s javelin podium with a 28.44m throw.

In the sand pits, Redmond added a gold to her collection with a 5.46m

best leap in the women’s long jump event. Tasnica Lovell was second with a jump of 5.00m while Tonya Rawlins had a best leap of 4.54m for third place.

In the men’s event, Anthony Williams claimed the top spot with a leap of 7.26m, while Eron Leitch finished second, jumping 7.05m. Nicholas Crandon rounded off the men’s long jump top three with a leap of 6.90m.

Olympic champ Parchment dedicates World Champs silver to Coach

Holder lit up the recently-resurfaced track and the National Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara (WCD), clocking 21.07s for first place in the 200m event, securing the sprint double.

Guyana Defence Force’s Shamar Horatio finished second in 21.08s, while

in 24.24s and Annalisa Redmond, who finished third in 24.79s.

It was Springer at the top of the podium again in the 400m event. This time she clocked 55.31s for first place, while Smith was again second in 55.78s.

Narissa McPherson completed the podium in 56.09s.

Heritage Games 2023…

Nicholas Daw needed only 2:00.41 to claim first place in the men’s 800m event, which saw Adams stopping the clock at 2:00.70 for second and Jevon Roberts claiming third place in 2:00.80.

Over in the field events, GDF’s Leslain Baird maintained his dominance with the javelin in hand, throwing some 69.94m for first place. Jemain Simmons gave a good challenge with

Region 4 Females, Region 7 Males are football champions

In yet another example of why Hansle Parchment continues to be a fan favourite who continues to perform at the highest level, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion has dedicated the silver medal he won at the 2023 World Athletics Championships to his longtime coach Fitz Coleman.

Parchment, 33, who won his first Diamond League trophy last month in a lifetime best and world-leading 12.93s run, was the runner-up to the now three-time world champion Grant Holloway of the USA, in Budapest in August. On Monday, he shared on social media that that silver medal holds special meaning.

“This year’s world championship in Budapest was special as I received a second medal for my coach,” he said. “Mr Fitz Coleman has been my coach for 14 years and counting. He has been a friend and a mentor. He’s been a guiding force in all my achievements and I want to send a heartfelt

thanks as he deserves this medal as much as I do.”

Parchment will attempt to defend his Olympic title in Paris next summer. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Parchment stunned the world by upstaging Holloway, the gold medal favourite, winning his first Olympic title in 13.04. (Sportsmax)

Liverpool ask PGMOL for VAR audio from Spurs game

Liverpool have asked PGMOL for audio of discussions between the match officials in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not overturn an incorrect decision to disallow a Luis Diaz goal for offside.

PGMOL, the governing body for referees, said the decision to rule out the goal was "a significant human error".

The GT Kanaimas female team

The female outfit from Region Four, “The GT Kanaimas” managed to defend their title against the Region 10 side in the women’s final of the annual Heritage Games 2023, while in the male division, the team from Region Seven bounced off a runners-up position in the 2022 edition, as they thumped the Region Two side.

The GT Kanaimas started the final game on a strong note with many attempts at the goal, but the Region 10 side’s keeper showed her dominance in

the 18-yard box and closed off scoring. At the end of the first half, both sides were scoreless.

In the second half, the Region 10 side kept their composure and managed to penetrate their opponents’ defence, but the Kanaimas keeper did not let the pressure go to her head and kept them scoreless, forcing the game into kicks from the spot.

The Kanaimas went on to win the game, with their keeper putting up some massive saves to win the game with the score 4 -2.

In the male edition, the team from Region 7 demonstrated their class in the first half of the game against the Region Two side, with a strike from Andrew Simmons giving the team the lead at the end of the first half.

Simmons did not calm down as he went on to chip past the keeper to secure his double, furthering their lead. A composed Devon Padmore pursued a strike minutes after, but it was not enough as the Region Two side emerged as champions.

On Sunday, Liverpool released a statement saying the explanation was "unacceptable" and that "sporting integrity has been undermined".

The club called for a "review with full transparency", and added they will "explore the range of options available given the clear need for escalation and resolution".

Darren England, who was on VAR duty during the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and assistant VAR Dan Cook were stood down from duty for the rest of the weekend because of the error.

PGMOL recognised the two VAR officials failed to act cor-

rectly after Diaz's 34th-minute strike was wrongly ruled out for offside. The game was at 0-0 at that point, with Liverpool down to 10 men after Curtis Jones had been sent off following England's intervention.

In a statement released following the controversial game, PGMOL said the Diaz incident "was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention".

It is understood referees' chief Howard Webb has spoken to Liverpool about the incident.

Last season, Webb ap-

peared on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football to explain the process of VAR using both correct and incorrect decisions, which allowed fans to hear the match officials' conversations for the first time in a bid to increase transparency.

This season, six audio recordings have been released from Premier League games, including Wolves' penalty appeal after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana collided with striker Sasa Kalajdzic, and Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk's red card for a foul on Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. (BBC Sport)

Noelex Holder

Tianna Springer

Hansle Parchment with Coach Fitz Coleman

"He deserves this as much as I do"

132 shapes world record West Indies chase

Phoebe Litchfield had earlier slammed the joint-fastest fifty in women's T20 Internationals to power Australia to 212, but West Indies overhauled that target with a ball to spare.

Inspired by their captain, Hayley Matthews and supported by Stafanie Taylor, West Indies produced a stunning world-record T20I chase to sink Australia at North Sydney Oval.

After the first innings, it ap

peared Litchfield’s would be the performance talked about as she equalled the record for the fastest fifty in women's T20Is off 18 balls, but that was put well in the shade.

Matthews, who was left stranded on 99 in the opening match of the series, surged to a 53-ball century this time and carried her team to the brink when she finally fell for a magnificent 132 off 64 balls, having taken four consecutive boundaries off Jess Jonassen in the

SCOREBOARD

Australia Women (20 ovs

maximum)

Alyssa Healy (c)† c Campbelle

b Henry 0

Beth Mooney c Connell

b Matthews 29

Tahlia McGrath

b Matthews 4

Ellyse Perry c Fletcher

b Connell 70

Ashleigh Gardner c Alleyne

b Connell 2 Phoebe Litchfield not out 52

Annabel Sutherland c Gajnabi

b Matthews 13

Georgia Wareham not out 32

Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 7) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.60) 212/6

Did not bat: Jess Jonassen,

Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Alyssa Healy,

0.1 ov), 2-7 (Tahlia McGrath, 1.6 ov), 3-77 (Beth Mooney, 9.6 ov),

4-87 (Ashleigh Gardner, 11.4 ov),

5-120 (Ellyse Perry, 14.4 ov), 6-146

(Annabel Sutherland, 16.2 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 3-0-23-1

Hayley Matthews 4-0-36-3

Aaliyah Alleyne 4-0-53-0

Karishma Ramharack 2-0-30-0

Afy Fletcher 2-0-15-0

Shamilia Connell 4-0-35-2

Zaida James 1-0-17-0

West Indies Women (T: 213 runs from 20 ovs)

Hayley Matthews (c)

b Jonassen 132

Shabika Gajnabi c Jonassen

b Schutt 1

Stafanie Taylor b Schutt 59

Chinelle Henry not out 4

Shemaine Campbelle not out 4

Extras (lb 7, w 6) 13

TOTAL 19.5 Ov (RR: 10.73) 213/3

Did not bat: Rashada Williams

†, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida

James, Shamilia Connell, Afy

Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Shabika

Gajnabi, 2.2 ov), 2-185 (Stafanie

Taylor, 16.6 ov), 3-204 (Hayley

Matthews, 18.5 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Megan Schutt 4-0-30-2

Darcie Brown 3-0-32-0

Ashleigh Gardner 3.5-0-38-0

Annabel Sutherland 4-0-34-0

Georgia Wareham 2-0-23-0

Jess Jonasse 2-0-34-1

Tahlia McGrath 1-0-15-0

penultimate over.

It left West Indies needing 9 off 7 deliveries which Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry were able to scamper in the final over against Ash Gardner with a ball to spare when Australia had to have an extra fielder inside the ring due to a slow over-rate.

Taylor had overcome a sluggish start to play a vital hand, with 59 off 41 balls in a stand of 174 in 14 overs with Matthews. Australia's bowlers had no answers and they paid the price for dropping Matthews twice, on 30 and 87. Their tactics will also have to be called into question, with Matthews repeatedly exploiting an unprotected offside boundary.

She scored 19 of her 25 boundaries on the off side with 77 runs coming from cover drives and in all 110 of her runs came in fours and sixes.

Overall, it was the high-

est-scoring women's T20I in history with 425 runs and Matthews collected her seventh consecutive Player-of-theMatch award. West Indies had made the perfect start to the game when Alyssa Healy fell first ball, spectacularly caught at backward point by Campbell

and Australia were 7 for 2 when Tahlia McGrath was bowled by an excellent delivery from Matthews.

From there, however, the home side rebuilt through a stand of 70 between Beth

prise when she was preferred to Grace Harris at number six for this series, but Australia have wanted to try a left hander in that position. It will be difficult to shift her now. She collected her first six from her second delivery when she advanced at Aaliyah Alleyne and pulled over deep backward square. That was followed by consecutive sixes off Henry, the second as she advanced and drove over long-off.

For a little while she lost the strike as Georgia Wareham took over with her own powerful stroke play, but Litchfield found the boundary from five of her next six deliveries, with her fifth six equalling the record.

Mooney and Ellyse Perry before two more wickets fell in quick succession to leave them 89 for 4 when Litchfield walked in.

There had been some sur-

A brutal stand of 66 off 22 balls between Litchfield and Wareham, who made 32 off 13, enabled the home side to put on a power-packed finish that produced 88 runs from the last five overs – a record since complete data started being made available. Astonishingly, it ended up coming in a losing cause. (ESPNcricinfo)

Courts Optical Pee Wee… Enterprise, St Pius stamp authority on 2nd day

The 10th edition of the Courts Pee Wee Under-11 football tournament continued at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue on Saturday, when last year’s top two finishers proved they were still among the best in this year’s competition.

The 2022 runners-up, St Pius Primary had the largest win of the day, defeating Winfer Gardens 10-0. Aaron Vasconcellos led the charge with five goals in the 19th, 21st, 23rd, 27th and 33rd minutes, while Octain Moore added two in the 1st and 13th. Ezekiel Lynch (11th), Daniel Chesnay (17th) and Akeem Young (37th) netted one each to bring the tally to 10.

Defending champions Enterprise Primary also looked in fine form with a 5-1 victory over Colaaco Primary.

Dontay Kowlessar was the chief marksman, netting four in the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 33rd minutes, while Dalzell Fernandes found the back of the net in the 14th. Meshach Pantlitz scored Colaaco’s consolation goal in the fourth minute.

In other fixtures on Saturday, a Kriston Chandler double (21st, 39th) and one from Iasiah Daniels (35th) led St John the Baptist Primary to a 3-1 win over Kabakaburi Primary. Vivian Calistro netted Kabakaburi’s lone goal in the 26th minute.

By the same 3-1 margin, Potaro Primary got the

better of Sophia Primary. Ezekiel Haynes (2nd), Michael Telemaque (16th), and Kendrick La Rose (18th) netted one each for Potaro. Joshua Blande was Sophia’s lone marksman in the 31st minute.

An Andron Fredericks strike (9th) and an own goal (12th) resulted in a 1-1 draw between Tapakuma and Leonora Primary.

Next, Annandale Primary suffered a 1-4 loss at the hands

of St Aloysius Primary. Raymali Vankenic was the man responsible for all of St Aloysius goals in the 3rd, 4th, 20th and 29th minutes, while Kareem King netted for Annandale in the 37th.

Den Amstel needled Rosignol Primary, 1-0, through a Kadon Trotman goal in the 36th minute of that encounter. The result was the same when North Georgetown Primary came up against Tucville Primary. This time, Kaley Jack

was the striker in the 26th minute. Another 1-0 encounter saw Redeemer Primary getting the better of St Stephens Primary. Jonathon Olivierre netted the lone goal for Redeemer and of the game in the 31st.

Smith’s Memorial Primary enjoyed a 2-0 win over All Saints Primary. Goals from Derwin Nelson (30th) and Jomari Beverney (40th) did the trick for Smith’s Memorial.

The following game saw Friendship Primary tasting victory in come-from-behind fashion, when they faced One Mile Primary. One Mile struck first via a Devin Stephen goal in the 29th minute. However, goals from Kylan Smartt (33rd) and Eliel Ros (39th) did the trick for Friendship.

A Dane Vancooten brace and one from Teon Francis led West Ruimveldt Primary to a 3-0 win against St Ambrose.

Also in the winners’ circle was Marian Academy after facing St Gabriel’s Primary. One goal each from Christiano La Rose and Maxwell Viapree led Marian to the 2-0 win. Meanwhile, the battle between Ann’s Grove and FE Pollard Primary ended in a stalemate.

The Pee Wee action continues this Saturday, October 9 at the same venue, with more group stage games.

Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor put on 174 runs in 88 balls

Ellyse Perry led the way for Australia with 70

Matthews produced a 53-ball century

Scenes from the Under-11 Courts Optical Pee Wee action last Saturday

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023